Last respects paid to Bana Bhante

Hundreds of Buddhists yesterday thronged Deshanaloy House Rajban Bihar to pay their last respects to most venerable Sadhana Mohasthabir popularly known as Bana Bhante.
Bangalees rushed to pay their last tributes to the spiritual leader as well soon after the body was taken to the house where Bana Bhante used to deliver sermon to the devotees.
Bana Bhante on Monday breathed his last at the capital's Square Hospital where he was flown by a helicopter on January 27 after he felt sick. The 93-year-old leader was suffering from various old age complications.
As the news of the demise spread, people from different hilly areas thronged the shrine to pay their homage to the spiritual leader.
Earlier, the body was taken in the district town from the capital at about 1:00am and then it was kept at the house for last respect by people.
As per demand of Buddhist people, the body would be kept here till next Sunday before cremation, said Pratul Bikash Chakma, secretary of Rajban Bihar Upasak Upasika Parishad (RBUUP).